Religion’s Unifying Call to Protect Our World in the Midst of the Sixth Mass Extinction

In today’s fiercely divided world, where political disagreements escalate and cultural divides seem insurmountable, there’s an alarming reality we must face. We are living through what scientists term the “sixth mass extinction,” an unparalleled rate of species loss not seen for millions of years. Remarkably, ancient scriptures from the world’s leading religions, along with the beliefs of indigenous faiths around the globe, offer a shared perspective on this looming ecological crisis.

This week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delivered a grim message: 21 species delisted from the Endangered Species Act, not due to recovery but, tragically, to extinction (source). This stark reality underscores the importance of respecting and cherishing the myriad forms of life with which we share our planet.

While the major religious scriptures emphasize environmental stewardship, it is essential to acknowledge the profound wisdom embedded in indigenous faiths. From the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories in Australia to the Native American spiritual practices that emphasize harmony with the land, indigenous belief systems have long championed a symbiotic relationship with nature. These traditions teach that humanity is not above nature but an integral part of it. Their sustainable practices, developed over millennia, can serve as guiding lights in our collective effort to reverse the ecological damage we’ve caused.

The sixth mass extinction, driven by human actions — habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation — is a blaring siren. Extinction rates are currently estimated to be 100 to 1,000 times higher than the “natural” background rate.

Amid this crisis, the Bible’s Genesis offers a timely directive to humanity. God’s mandate for Adam to “work and take care of” the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15) reverberates today as habitats vanish and species face extinction.

Similarly, the Torah, emphasizing the value of all life forms, advocates for the preservation of nature even in times of conflict. The Quran, too, underscores the principles of balance and moderation, imploring us to act with care and warning of the consequences of environmental neglect.

Yet, as we reflect upon these ancient scriptures and teachings, it is the age-old wisdom of indigenous faiths that offers an especially potent reminder of our interconnectedness with nature. Their practices, rituals, and beliefs, rooted in a profound respect for the land and its creatures, present not just a spiritual but a practical roadmap to ecological balance.

Now, more than ever, as the shadow of the sixth mass extinction looms, it’s vital to embrace the unifying messages across faiths and traditions. The environment isn’t a “liberal” cause or a “conservative” one. It’s a human cause. It’s a divine cause. And, as the wisdom of our ancestors teaches us, it’s a cause that binds us all.